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Cloth Diaper Wash Routine

 
Today’s article is going to be about cloth diaper wash routine’s. 

Every cloth diaper wash routine is going to be different. The way that you wash your cloth diapers may not be the same way as I wash mine, and that’s ok. The reason everyone has a different way of washing cloth diapers is due to detergent preferences, type of washing machines and what you’re comfortable with. I see moms who are wanting to learn everything they can about cloth diapers, getting all freaked out over “laundry!” With that said, just remember It’s only laundry folks!
 

 
My advice is to keep it simple and use prefolds and covers. No fancy instructions, just wash them! The reason I started using cloth diapers was to cut costs. But with so many cute designer brands out there, it’s super easy to get caught up in all of the hustle of stocking up on cloth diapers. Don’t! Keeping it simple is better for your wallet, and you can even learn to make your own.
 

 
Years ago when I first started cloth diapering Joceyln everybody was saying “you needed to use cloth diapers safe laundry detergent.” Well, I did that, and it didn’t work! I’m going to put this right out there; mild detergents are not going to work on your cloth diapers! Just think about what you’re washing. You are washing poop and urine out of your clothing. You’re going to need something that is capable of breaking down those properties and getting your diapers clean. I personally use Foca Biodegradable Laundry Detergent. [See it here]
 

 

 
I have used Tide powder, which gave me okay results. I had started using Tide when I moved to a place that had hard water. Tide worked for us while we lived there. My diapers were clean and smelled clean. However, when we moved to a place that had city water, it just wasn’t doing the job anymore. I have no idea why it just didn’t!

I use bleach only when absolutely necessary and I would never-ever use fabric softeners because it affects the absorbency of the inserts. The majority of manufacturers will void your diaper’s warranty if you use either of these two products.
 

 
I have an old-school agitator washing machine. This thing is the bomb! It washes the diapers beautifully, without any extra prep work. If it ever breaks, I WILL have another one, even if I have to buy one at a second-hand store!

I have been trying to save myself some time when it comes to washing my diapers. As I’m changing Jocelyn, I remove the insert right then and toss it in the diaper pail. When it’s time to wash I’m not taking the extra time to go in and remove every insert from every diaper. This is saving me a lot of time when it comes to washing.

So, I grab my laundry pail and any wet bags that I may have in my car or diaper bag, and I toss them all into the washer. I turn the knob to the rinse cycle and walk away. I come back 15 minutes later and turn the knob to the wash cycle, add my detergent and walk away until the washer has finished.  Once the machine is finished, I hang it all to air dry!
 

 

 
My thought on the matter is pretty simple. My mother and grandmother both used cloth diapers on their children. They didn’t have any complicated routine that required a bachelor’s degree to figure out. They just washed and dried the cloth diapers. No overthinking it, it’s just laundry! What worked for them, works for me. I have better things to do with my time than trying to make my laundry a difficult task!

A great resource is the Cloth Diaper FAQ section, here on our site. It’s full of some very helpful informatin and cloth diaper lingo! So check it out.

How do you wash your diapers? Do you keep it simple? How long does it take?